The Character of the Bride
Walter Fox
The divine character of the Bride is “Agape” or “purity of heart”. Agape is a Greek word often translated "love" in the New Testament. What makes "agape love" different from other types of love? The key difference from other kinds of romantic or sexual love, agape love is a love based upon self-sacrifice. It is not a friendship or brotherly love. The Greek word philia is used for that kind of love. Agape love is unique and is distinguished by its nature and character. God purifies the heart of the Bride and develops the divine character within Her. Since we only learn and develop His character through trials, sufferings, distress, tribulations, disappointments and the crucifixion of the self-life it is clear that it must be accomplished here in this life because these dimensions of suffering will not be available in heaven. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” Gal 5: 22-24.